12 Apr 2016

Last month, Reds target Piotr Zielinski confirmed that he wants to 'play alongside' Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho, and his latest comments suggest that Jurgen Klopp is working behind the scenes to arrange a transfer to Anfield.

When asked in March about the ceaseless Liverpool rumours, £15m-rated Zielinski - hailed as 'amazing' by former boss Francesco Guidolin - told Futbolfejs:

"Some people may think it [the Liverpool move] is only rumours but I know more about it. It would be great to play alongside Coutinho. He is fast and creative. We have something in common".

“There is a lot of truth in rumours about Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is interested in me, we've had some talks".

Do Liverpool have permission to talk with Zielinski? It seems likely, but if not, then Klopp's approach is tantamount to tapping-up. Some info about Zielinski:

* Central midfielder, who can also play as a right-winger, an attacking-midfielder.

* Scouting report from Four Four Two magazine: "Plays on the right of a diamond midfield [at Empoli]. Voracious work ethic and enthusiasm. Plenty of technical and attacking qualities. Does not eschew defensive tasks. With his driving runs, slick passes and discipline, Zielinksi could suit Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy".

* This season: Averages 1.6 key passes per game in the league, which is the same as Coutinho. Averages for dribbles per game than Coutinho (2.7 vs. 1.8), and has slightly higher passing accuracy (80% vs. 78%).

With 15 goals/assists in 33 apps (one every 173 mins), Coutinho is ahead of Zielinski in the end product stakes, with the Pole on 9 goals/assists in 31 apps so far (One every 290 mins).

That's a significant difference, and given the increased speed and physicality of the Premier League, Zielinski - if he signs - is going to have improve exponentially in the final third to have 'something in common' with Coutinho (whose goals/assist record is merely average).